The Local Sustainability Advisor will work collaboratively with the Chief of Party and the project’s technical staff to design and implement strategies for fostering local ownership and building capacity within local organizations and the Government of Ghana. This position is integral to ensuring that sustainability is embedded from the outset, promoting long-term impact and local self-reliance beyond the life of the project.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

Strong, tailored local capacity building implemented with all local partners, including consortium partners and government stakeholders. 

• Capacity Assessment and Development: Conduct thorough organizational capacity assessments with local partners and government agencies. Identify gaps and strengths to inform tailored capacity development plans.
• Capacity Building: Collaborate with project technical teams to design and implement training, mentorship, and organizational development initiatives. Ensure activities are relevant, culturally appropriate, and focused on building long-term capacity.
• Metrics Development and Monitoring: Develop and implement robust metrics to monitor progress in local capacity development, using qualitative and quantitative data to evaluate the effectiveness of initiatives.

Strong planning for sustainability

• Strategic Planning for Sustainability: Develop and execute a comprehensive sustainability strategy that prioritizes local ownership, institutional capacity building, and sustainable impact from project initiation.

Strong local ownership.

• Transition Planning (If applicable): Lead the development of a transition strategy that ensures a seamless handover of responsibilities and ownership to local organizations and government partners. Define clear steps and timelines for achieving full local ownership by project end.

KNOWLEDGE/QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THE ROLE

• Bachelor’s degree in international development, public administration, organizational development, public administration, or a related field. A master’s degree is preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in capacity building, organizational development, or sustainability planning, preferably in the context of international development or USAID – funded programs.
• Demonstrated experience working with government entities, NGOs, or community-based organizations in Ghana or other West African countries.
• Proven track record in designing and implementing sustainability strategies and transition plans for donor-funded projects.
• Strong understanding of organizational capacity assessment tools and methodologies.
• Knowledge of metrics development and monitoring for capacity development initiatives.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, including government officials, community leaders, and project teams.
• Strong analytical and strategic planning skills, with attention to cultural sensitivity and local context.
• Fluent in English; proficiency in at least one of Ghana’s local languages.
• Demonstrated commitment to USAID’s principles of local ownership, sustainability, and capacity strengthening.

Preferred Knowledge and Qualifications

• Able to work with a wide range of stakeholders including community-based organizations, local NGOs, local government and officials, donors, and colleagues
• Exercises good judgment and sound decision making
• Quick learner, agile, flexible, adaptable to different organizational cultures and operating environments
• Excellent interpersonal skills, proven networking, team building, organizational and communication skills
• Experience in external engagement including donors, government
• Experience in project and budget management
• Strong partnering, conflict management, and consensus building skills
• Excellent communication skills (oral and written), presentation and reporting skills

Travel and/or Work Environment

• 30% Domestic/international travel is required.

Language Requirements

Fluency in English (verbal a